If you have a limited income and don't have a checking account, please contact your local bank. Under New York State Law, you may be entitled to open a "lifeline" checking account for which you can maintain a minimal balance and pay only $3 a month.
Can a substitute do the job? When the wind rips through your clavicle, the idea of siding with a temporary warm significant other doesn't seem to be a bad idea. The idea of loving the one you with seems horrible, at first glance, but love has never been the equivalent of forever. If you are in like with someone focus on them, and be thankful for them right now.
At some point in my life I have picked up this habit of "well, if you are going to do it, DO IT!" It is often mistaken as being a perfectionist, but it is merely wanting to be my best. At times I have little regard for how people think I have done, or if they like what or how I do things, I gauge my aptitude based on the amount of work I put in and the level of passion involved.